Alerthub system

ABSTRACT

An alert communication device, an alert activation device, and an alert management system are provided. The alert management system may include one or more alert communication devices communicatively coupled to one or more other alert communication devices and configured to provide one or more of a visual alert and an audio alert and one or more alert activation devices communicatively coupled to at least one alert communication device of the one or more alert communication devices.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/592,149, filed on 29 Nov. 2017, entitled “Crisis Management System”,the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

In educational environments, providing a safe and secure learningenvironment is one of the most daunting challenges facing K-12 schools,universities and colleges today. Additionally, personal safety hasbecome one of the most debilitating workplace stress factors forhousekeeping staff today in the hospitality industry. Housekeeping staffand other employees who work alone or in vulnerable areas must deal withthe potential for personal harm on a daily basis. Further, withincidents of violence on the rise in retail stores and shopping centers,employee safety has never been more critical. In a public-facingenvironment, anything can happen at any given moment. In businessindustries, research shows that employees who feel happy and secure intheir workplace are more productive employees. Whether it's a corporateoffice, manufacturing plant, warehouse or a public-facing branchlocation, employee peace of mind has a direct impact on the bottom line.

In an effort to reduce incidents of violence in educationalenvironments, hospitality industries, retail stores, and in workplacesgenerally, everyone is encouraged to report suspicious activity and toseek help quickly to resolve potential threats. However, conventionalalert management systems are unable to quickly and efficiently report anemergency or provide an alert to others who can help.

SUMMARY OF DISCLOSURE

In one implementation, an alert communication device is provided. Thealert communication device may include a first transceiver configured tocommunicatively couple the alert communication device with one or moreother alert communication devices via a first communication path, asecond transceiver configured to communicatively couple the alertcommunication device with the one or more other alert communicationdevices via a second communication path, and one or more of a visualalert system and an audio alert system.

One or more of the following features may be included. The alertcommunication device may include a third transceiver configured tocommunicatively couple the alert communication device with one or morealert activation devices via a third communication path. The alertcommunication device may be configured to receive an alert signal fromthe one or more alert activation devices and transmit the alert signalto the one or more other alert communication devices via the firstcommunication path. determine that the first communication path isinaccessible and transmit the alert signal to the one or more alertcommunication devices via the second communication path in response todetermining that the first communication path is inaccessible. The alertcommunication device may be configured to establish a communicationchannel between two or more client devices via one or more of the firstcommunication path and the second communication path. The visual alertsystem may include a plurality of electronically-controlled lightsconfigured to provide a plurality of visual alerts. The thirdtransceiver may be a Bluetooth Low Energy® transceiver configured todetermine the location of the one or more alert activation devicesrelative to the alert communication device.

In another implementation, an alert activation device is provided. Thealert activation device may include a transceiver configured tocommunicatively couple the alert activation device to at least one alertcommunication device and an activation button communicatively coupled tothe transceiver. The alert activation device may be configured totransmit an alert signal via the transceiver in response to a userengaging the activation button.

One or more of the following features may be included. The alertactivation device may be a wearable alert activation device. The alertactivation device may be configured to be affixed to an identificationbadge. The transceiver may be configured to transmit a location of thealert activation device when transmitting the alert signal. Thetransceiver may be a Bluetooth Low Energy® transceiver.

In another implementation, an alert management system is provided. Thealert management system may include one or more alert communicationdevices communicatively coupled to one or more other alert communicationdevices and configured to provide one or more of a visual alert and anaudio alert and one or more alert activation devices communicativelycoupled to at least one alert communication device of the one or morealert communication devices.

One or more of the following features may be included. The alertmanagement system may include one or more alert gateways. The one ormore alert communication devices may be communicatively coupled to theone or more alert gateways. The one or more alert communication devicesmay include a plurality of alert communication devices and areconfigured to communicatively couple the alert communication device withone or more other alert communication devices of the plurality of alertcommunication devices via a first communication path. The one or morealert communication devices may be configured to communicatively couplethe alert communication device with the one or more other alertcommunication devices of the plurality of alert communication devicesvia a second communication path. The alert management system may beconfigured to receive, at the one or more alert communication devices,an alert signal from the one or more alert activation devices andtransmit the alert signal to the one or more other alert communicationdevices via a first communication path formed between a plurality ofalert communication devices. The alert management system may beconfigured to determine that the first communication path isinaccessible and transmit the alert signal to the one or more alertcommunication devices via the second communication path in response todetermining that the first communication path is inaccessible. The alertmanagement system may be configured to establish a communication channelbetween two or more client devices via one or more of the firstcommunication path and the second communication path. The alertmanagement system may include at least one client device communicativelycoupled to the alert management system. The at least one client devicemay include a user interface. The alert management system may beconfigured to provide one or more of an alert signal and a map to theuser interface of the at least one client device.

The details of one or more implementations are set forth in theaccompanying drawings and the description below. Other features andadvantages will become apparent from the description, the drawings, andthe claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of a distributed computing networkincluding a computing device that executes an alert management processaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic view of an alert communication device accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 3-4 are diagrammatic views of an alert management system accordingto various embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic view of a user interface generated on a clientdevice according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 6A-6B are diagrammatic views of an alert activation deviceaccording to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of another embodiment of the alert managementprocess of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;and

FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic view of a client electronic device executingthe alert management process of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

System Overview

In FIG. 1, there is shown alert management process 10. Alert managementprocess 10 may be implemented as a server-side process, a client-sideprocess, or a hybrid server-side/client-side process.

For example, alert management process 10 may be implemented as a purelyserver-side process via alert management process 10 s. Alternatively,alert management process 10 may be implemented as a purely client-sideprocess via one or more of alert management process 10 c 1, alertmanagement process 10 c 2, alert management process 10 c 3, and alertmanagement process 10 c 4. Alternatively still, alert management process10 may be implemented as a hybrid server-side/client-side process viaalert management process 10 s in combination with one or more of alertmanagement process 10 c 1, alert management process 10 c 2, alertmanagement process 10 c 3, and alert management process 10 c 4.Accordingly, alert management process 10 as used in this disclosure mayinclude any combination of alert management process 10 s, alertmanagement process 10 c 1, alert management process 10 c 2, alertmanagement process 10 c 3, and alert management process 10 c 4.

Alert management process 10 s may be a server application and may resideon and may be executed by computing device 12, which may be connected tonetwork 14 (e.g., the Internet or a local area network). Examples ofcomputing device 12 may include, but are not limited to: a personalcomputer, a server computer, a series of server computers, a minicomputer, a mainframe computer, or a cloud-based computing network.

The instruction sets and subroutines of alert management process 10 s,which may be stored on storage device 16 coupled to computing device 12,may be executed by one or more processors (not shown) and one or morememory architectures (not shown) included within computing device 12.Examples of storage device 16 may include but are not limited to: a harddisk drive; a RAID device; a random access memory (RAM); a read-onlymemory (ROM); and all forms of flash memory storage devices.

Network 14 may be connected to one or more secondary networks (e.g.,network 18), examples of which may include but are not limited to: alocal area network; a wide area network; or an intranet, for example.

Examples of alert management processes 10 c 1, 10 c 2, 10 c 3, 10 c 4may include but are not limited to a corporate user interface, a webbrowser, or a specialized application (e.g., an application running one.g., the Android™ platform or the iOS™ platform). The instruction setsand subroutines of alert management processes 10 c 1, 10 c 2, 10 c 3, 10c 4, which may be stored on storage devices 20, 22, 24, 26(respectively) coupled to client electronic devices 28, 30, 32, 34(respectively), may be executed by one or more processors (not shown)and one or more memory architectures (not shown) incorporated intoclient electronic devices 28, 30, 32, 34 (respectively). Examples ofstorage devices 20, 22, 24, 26 may include but are not limited to: harddisk drives; RAID devices; random access memories (RAM); read-onlymemories (ROM), and all forms of flash memory storage devices.

Examples of client electronic devices 28, 30, 32, 34 may include, butare not limited to: smartphone 28; laptop computer 30; specialty device32; personal computer 34; a notebook computer (not shown); a servercomputer (not shown); a dedicated network device (not shown); and atablet computer (not shown).

Client electronic devices 28, 30, 32, 34 may each execute an operatingsystem, examples of which may include but are not limited to MicrosoftWindows™, Android™, iOS™, Linux™, or a custom operating system.

Users 36, 38, 40, 42 may access alert management process 10 directlythrough network 14 or through secondary network 18. Further, alertmanagement process 10 may be connected to network 14 through secondarynetwork 18, as illustrated with link line 44.

The various client electronic devices (e.g., client electronic devices28, 30, 32, 34) may be directly or indirectly coupled to network 14 (ornetwork 18). For example, smartphone 28 and laptop computer 30 are shownwirelessly coupled to network 14 via wireless communication channels 44,46 (respectively) established between smartphone 28, laptop computer 30(respectively) and cellular network/bridge 48, which is shown directlycoupled to network 14. Further, specialty device 32 is shown wirelesslycoupled to network 14 via wireless communication channel 50 establishedbetween specialty device 32 and wireless access point (i.e., WAP) 52,which is shown directly coupled to network 14. Additionally, personalcomputer 34 is shown directly coupled to network 18 via a hardwirednetwork connection.

WAP 52 may be, for example, an IEEE 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n,Wi-Fi, and/or Bluetooth device that is capable of establishing wirelesscommunication channel 50 between specialty device 32 and WAP 52. As isknown in the art, IEEE 802.11x specifications may use Ethernet protocoland carrier sense multiple access with collision avoidance (i.e.,CSMA/CA) for path sharing. The various 802.11x specifications may usephase-shift keying (i.e., PSK) modulation or complementary code keying(i.e., CCK) modulation, for example. As is known in the art, Bluetooth®is a telecommunications industry specification that allows e.g., mobilephones, computers, and personal digital assistants to be interconnectedusing a short-range wireless connection.

Referring to FIGS. 2-8 and as will be discussed in greater detail below,embodiments of the present disclosure may comprise a blend of hardware,software and wireless technologies to ensure fast, accurate, andreliable emergency communication when it's needed most. From alertactivation to alert tracking and updating to secure two-waycommunication, embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a fullcomplement of capabilities to automate and accelerate an alert andcrisis management process.

As will be discussed in greater detail below, an alert can be activatedinstantly from multiple touchpoints, including mobile and desktopsoftware, as well as a wearable alert activation devices that can becustom-programmed to generate various kinds of alerts (e.g., staff orbuilding-level alerts). Whether a staff requests assistance or ahigher-level alert notifying building occupants of a particular state ofemergency, embodiments of the present disclosure may empower staff andadministrators alike to put desired protocols in motion faster thanever.

In addition, embodiments of the present disclosure may utilize a meshnetwork of alert communication devices or “hubs” that provide bothnotifying (e.g., color-coded visual and audible alerts) and locatingcapabilities, which extend to exterior coverage, creating a robustsecurity net that reaches places like playgrounds, athletic fields, andparking lots.

As will be discussed in greater detail below and in someimplementations, the alert communication devices may not only signalthat specific emergency response is needed through flashing LEDs, theymay also communicate critical locating data to inform response. In someimplementations, this information may be instantly sent to and presentedon multiple devices (desktop/laptop, mobile phone, and TV) in the formof a floor view (single location) and map view (multiple locations), anddisplays are updated dynamically as changes occur.

Alert Communication Device:

In some implementations and as will be discussed in greater detailbelow, an alert communication device may generally include a smokedetector-size (6″×6″×1.5″) notification and wireless communicationdevice configured to create instant awareness among building occupantsby providing audible and color-coded visual notification as well asvisual feed that is transmitted directly to the enterprise location.While exemplary dimensions of an alert communication device have beendiscussed above, it will be appreciated that various dimensions for thealert communication device may be used within the scope of the presentdisclosure.

Referring also to FIG. 2 and in some implementations, an alertcommunication device may include a first transceiver configured tocommunicatively couple the alert communication device with one or moreother alert communication devices via a first communication path. Asshown in FIG. 2, first transceiver 202 may be positioned within alertcommunication device 200. However, it will be appreciated that firsttransceiver 202 may be positioned on and/or adjacent to the exterior ofalert communication device 200. In some implementations, firstcommunication path may be a wireless communication channel utilizingIEEE 802.11x specifications, as discussed above. In this manner, thefirst transceiver may be a Wi-Fi® module.

Referring also to FIG. 3, a plurality of alert communication devices maybe configured to form a “Wi-Fi® mesh” that may allow up to e.g., 1,000alert communication devices (e.g., alert communication devices 302, 304,306, 308) to be communicatively coupled together via the firstcommunication path or channel. As will be discussed in greater detailbelow, the plurality of alert communication devices may becommunicatively connected and linked to an alert gateway. While a Wi-Fi®communication path or communication channel has been discussed, it willbe appreciated that other communication protocols are within the scopeof the present disclosure for implementing the first communication pathbetween the alert communication device and the one or more other alertcommunication devices (e.g., alert communication devices 302, 304, 306,308). In some implementations and upon powering of the alertcommunication device, alert communication device 302 may automaticallyestablish one or more first communication paths (e.g., firstcommunication paths 310, 312, 314) to one or more adjacent or proximatealert communication devices (e.g., alert communication devices 304,306). In some implementations, each alert communication device mayautomatically establish the first communication path (e.g., firstcommunication paths 310, 312, 314, 316) with each alert communicationdevice within the operating range of the first transceiver. In thisexample, even non-adjacent alert communication devices may becommunicatively coupled when each alert communication device is withinthe operating range of the first transceiver. It will be appreciatedthat the operating range of the first transceiver may be dependent uponmany external factors such as distance between alert communicationdevices, temperature, electromagnetic interference, obstacles, powerconstraints, etc.

Referring again to FIG. 2 and in some implementations, the alertcommunication device may include a second transceiver configured tocommunicatively couple the alert communication device with the one ormore other alert communication devices via a second communication path.As shown in FIG. Z, second transceiver 204 may be positioned withinalert communication device 200. However, it will be appreciated thatsecond transceiver 204 may be positioned on and/or adjacent to theexterior of alert communication device 200. In some implementations, thesecond transceiver may include a Zigbee® communication module configuredto wirelessly couple alert communication devices. In this manner, thesecond communication path may define at least a portion of a Zigbee®mesh wireless communication between alert communication devices and/oran alert gateway.

Referring also to FIG. 3 and in some implementations, the secondcommunication path (e.g., second communication paths 318, 320, 322)between the alert communication device (e.g., alert communication device302) and the one or more other alert communication devices (e.g., alertcommunication devices 304, 306) may be established by the secondtransceivers of each alert communication device. While a Zigbee®communication path or communication channel has been discussed, it willbe appreciated that other communication protocols are within the scopeof the present disclosure for implementing the second communication pathbetween the alert communication device and the one or more other alertcommunication devices (e.g., alert communication devices 302, 304, 306,308).

In some implementations and upon powering of the alert communicationdevice, alert communication device 302 may automatically establish oneor more second communication paths (e.g., second communication paths318, 320) to one or more adjacent or proximate alert communicationdevices (e.g., alert communication devices 304, 306). In someimplementations, each alert communication device may automaticallyestablish the second communication path (e.g., second communicationpaths 318, 320, 322, 324) with each alert communication device withinthe operating range of the second transceiver. In this example, evennon-adjacent alert communication devices may be communicatively coupledwhen each alert communication device is within the operating range ofthe second transceiver. It will be appreciated that the operating rangeof the second transceiver may be dependent upon many external factorssuch as distance between alert communication devices, temperature,electromagnetic interference, obstacles, power constraints, etc.

As will be discussed in greater detail below and in someimplementations, the second communication path may include acommunication protocol that is separate or different from thecommunication protocol of the first communication path (e.g., a firstcommunication path established between e.g., Wi-Fi® transceivers and asecond communication path established between e.g., Zigbee®transceivers.

Returning to FIG. 2 and in some implementations, the alert communicationdevice may include one or more of a visual alert system and an audioalert system. In this manner, alert communication device may alsoprovide alert signals through one or more visual alerts and one or moreaudio alerts. In some implementations, alert communication device 200may include a visual alert system in the form of a plurality ofelectronically-controlled lights configured to provide a plurality ofvisual alerts. For example, a plurality of electronically-controlledlights (e.g., electronically-controlled lights 206, 208, 210, 212) maybe positioned on the exterior of alert communication device 200. In someimplementations, the visual alert system may be configured to receive analert signal and provide visual alerts (e.g., flashing lights) in acolor and/or pattern corresponding to the alert signal. For example, thevisual alert system may include highly visible multi-color LEDs that canbe programmed to match the desired color, audio, and flashingcharacteristics of each alert.

In some implementations, the audio alert system may include one or morespeakers or buzzers within and/or on the exterior of the alertcommunication device. For example, speaker 214 may be configured toprovide one or more audio alerts (e.g., sirens, whistling, voicecommands, etc.) in response to receiving an alert signal at the alertcommunication device (e.g., alert communication device 200). With theabove-described visual alert system and/or audio alert system, criticalinformation can be seen and heard on multiple platforms. In someimplementations, the audio alert system may be combined with built-intext-to-speech capability to provide speech alerts in response to textalert signals received by alert communication devices. In someimplementations, the alert communication device may include a microphone(e.g., microphone 216) for recording audio signals adjacent to the alertcommunication device.

In some implementations, the alert communication device may include athird transceiver configured to communicatively couple the alertcommunication device with one or more alert activation devices via athird communication path. As shown in FIG. 2, third transceiver 218 maybe positioned within alert communication device 200. However, it will beappreciated that third transceiver 218 may be positioned on and/oradjacent to the exterior of alert communication device 200. In someimplementations, the third transceiver may be a Bluetooth Low Energy®transceiver. As is known in the art, Bluetooth Low Energy® or BLE is aspecification that allows radio frequency communication between varioustypes of devices. For example, devices may provide advertising packetsor signals that may be received by scanning devices. These advertisingpackets may be sent without a formal pairing between devices. In thismanner and as will be discussed in greater detail below, alertactivation devices may provide alert signals to the alert communicationdevice without pairing to a specific alert communication device.Referring also to FIG. 3 and in some implementations, the thirdtransceiver (e.g., third transceiver 218) may be configured to receivealert signals from an alert activation device (e.g., alert activationdevice 326) and/or a client device (e.g., client device 28) via thethird communication path (e.g., third communication path 328). Forexample and through a user interface provided to a client device, a usermay initiate an alert signal by selecting one or more buttons in theuser interface.

In some implementations, the third transceiver (e.g., third transceiver218) may be configured to determine the location of the one or morealert activation devices relative to the alert communication device. Forexample and in some implementations, the alert communication device maydetermine the location of the alert activation device or client devicerelative to the alert communication device based upon, at least in part,the alert signal received by the third transceiver (e.g., thirdtransceiver 218). In this manner, the alert communication device maycommunicate with applications and the wearable alert activation deviceto determine personnel location. In some implementations, the alertcommunication device may also provide tracking capability by functioningas a locating beacon. In some implementations, the alert communicationdevice may deliver the specific nature of the alert (i.e.: anything froma confrontation with a student or customer to the identification of anarmed intruder).

In some implementations, the alert communication device may beconfigured to receive an alert signal from the one or more alertactivation devices. In some implementations and referring also to theexample of FIG. 4, a plurality of alert communication devices (e.g.,alert communication devices 402, 404) may be positioned throughout e.g.,a school building. The alert communication devices (e.g., alertcommunication devices 402, 404) may be mounted to e.g., the ceilingthroughout the building. As will be discussed in greater detail below,the alert communication devices (e.g., alert communication devices 402,404) may be communicatively coupled to an alert gateway (e.g., alertgateway 406). In some implementations, members of the school staff mayhave access to an alert activation device (e.g., alert activation device408). In some implementations, alert communication device 402 may beconfigured to receive an alert signal from the alert activation device(e.g., alert activation device 408). As discussed above, the alertsignal may be received by the third transceiver of alert communicationdevice 402 via the third communication path (e.g., third communicationpath 410). In some implementations, the alert communication device maybe configured to transmit the alert signal to the one or more otheralert communication devices via the first communication path (e.g.,first communication path 412). In this example, alert communicationdevice 402 may be configured to transmit the alert signal to anotheralert communication device (e.g., alert communication device 404) inresponse to receiving the alert signal (e.g., via third communicationpath 410).

In some implementations, the alert communication device may beconfigured to determine that the first communication path isinaccessible. Referring again to FIG. 3 and in some implementations, analert communication device (e.g., alert communication device 302) may beconfigured to determine that the first communication path (e.g., firstcommunication path 310 between alert communication device 302 and alertcommunication device 304) is inaccessible (e.g., by determining that thefirst transceiver is not able to send or receive signals via the firstcommunication path). In some implementations, the alert communicationdevice (e.g., alert communication device 302) may be configured totransmit the alert signal to the one or more alert communication devices(e.g., alert communication 304) via the second communication path inresponse to determining that the first communication path isinaccessible. For example, in response to determining that the firstcommunication path is inaccessible, alert communication device 302 maytransmit an alert signal via the second communication path (e.g., secondcommunication path 318 between alert communication device 302 and alertcommunication device 304).

In some implementations, the alert communication device may beconfigured to establish a communication channel between two or moreclient devices via one or more of the first communication path and thesecond communication path. In some implementations, to streamlinecommunication among crisis managers, first responders and other keystakeholders, alert communication devices may provide two-waycommunication to client devices over a secure channel. Referring againto the example of FIG. 3 and in some implementations, client device 28may be communicatively coupled to alert communication device 304 andclient device 12 may be communicatively coupled to alert communicationdevice 308. In some implementations and via one or more of the firstcommunication path and the second communication path between alertcommunication device 304 and alert communication device 308, acommunication channel may be established between client device 28 andclient device 28. Referring also to FIG. 5 and in some implementations,alert management process 10 may provide a user interface or application(e.g., user interface 500) on a client device to establish acommunication channel between client devices. For example, a user mayselect a button (e.g., button 502). In some implementations, the buttonmay be a touchscreen button or a physical button on the client device.In some implementations, alert communication devices may integrate withexisting radios to facilitate the same functionality without the need tochange communication devices.

Alert Activation Device:

In some implementations, an alert activation device may be used by auser to generate an alert signal. In some implementations, the alertactivation device may include a transceiver configured tocommunicatively couple the alert activation device to at least one alertcommunication device. For example and as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, analert activation device (e.g., alert activation devices 602, 604) mayeach include a transceiver (e.g., transceiver 606, 608, respectively)configured to communicatively couple the alert activation device to atleast one alert communication device. In some implementations, thetransceiver may be embedded within the alert activation device and/or bepositioned on the exterior of the alert activation device. It will beappreciated that the transceiver (e.g., transceiver 606, 608) may bepositioned in a variety of ways relative to the alert activation devicewithin the scope of the present disclosure.

In some implementations, the alert activation device may include anactivation button communicatively coupled to the transceiver. Referringalso to FIG. 6A and in some implementations, the activation button(e.g., activation button 610) may occupy at least a portion of anexterior surface of the alert activation device. For example, activationbutton 610 may occupy a portion of alert activation device such thatwhen a user presses the portion labeled “Push for help”, the activationbutton may be engaged. In some implementations and referring also to theexample of FIG. 6B, the activation button may represent an entire sideof the alert activation device (e.g., alert activation device 604 is abutton device, where the activation button is an entire side of thealert activation device. In this manner, a user need only press theshown side of alert activation device to engage the activation button.It will be appreciated that various sizes and positions may be used forthe activation button within the scope of the present disclosure.

In some implementations, the alert activation device may be a wearablealert activation device. For example, the alert activation device may bedesigned for instant accessibility and multi-function wirelesscommunication capability. In some implementations, the alert activationdevice may be an ID/access card-size (e.g., 3⅜″×2⅛″×⅛″) wearable alertdevice. While exemplary dimensions of an alert activation device havebeen discussed above, it will be appreciated that various dimensions forthe alert activation device may be used within the scope of the presentdisclosure. In some implementations, the alert activation device may beconfigured to be affixed to an identification badge. For example, it canbe discreetly affixed behind an identification badge and quickly engagedto initiate an alert.

In some implementations, the transceiver (e.g., transceiver 606, 608)may be configured to transmit a location of the alert activation devicewhen transmitting the alert signal. As discussed above and in someimplementations, the transceiver may be a Bluetooth® Low Energytransceiver. With integrated Bluetooth Low Energy®, the alert activationdevice may allow beaconing capability for device locating. Thisfunctionality may support the capture and reporting of criticalinformation, thus shortening response times and facilitating real-timeincident updates.

Alert Management System:

In some implementations, an alert management system may include one ormore alert communication devices communicatively coupled to one or moreother alert communication devices and configured to provide one or moreof a visual alert and an audio alert. Referring again to FIG. 4 and insome implementations, the alert management system (e.g., alertmanagement system 400) may include one or more alert communicationdevices communicatively coupled to one or more other alert communicationdevices (e.g., alert communication devices 402, 404). As discussedabove, the one or more alert communication devices may be configured toprovide one or more of a visual alert and an audio alert.

In some implementations, the alert management system may include one ormore alert activation devices communicatively coupled to at least onealert communication device of the one or more alert communicationdevices. For example, the alert management system (e.g., alertmanagement system 400) may include one or more alert activation devices(e.g., alert activation devices 408) communicatively coupled to at leastone alert communication device (e.g., alert communication devices 402,404).

In some implementations, the alert management system may further includeone or more alert gateways. In some implementations, the one or morealert communication devices may be communicatively coupled to the one ormore alert gateways. For example, the alert management system (e.g.,alert management system 400) may include one or more alert gateways(e.g., alert gateway 406) configured to interconnect the one or morealert communication devices with one or more external resources. Forexample, alert gateway may be configured to provide the alert signalsfrom the one or more alert communication devices to a district office, apolice building, first responders, and/or to mobile and desktopapplications of alert management process 10. In this manner, the alertsignals of the alert management system may be provided for externalresources to access and to process. For example and in someimplementations, at least one client device may be communicativelycoupled to the alert management system. In some implementations, the atleast one client device may include a user interface.

In some implementations, alert management system 400 may be configuredto provide one or more of an alert signal and a multi-location map tothe user interface of the at least one client device. A multi-locationmap may generally include a plurality of maps of a building, park,playground, or other area of interest associated with an alert signals.From this alert signal and multi-location map, users associated with thealert signal may provide support and/or initiate one or more emergencyprocedures. Referring again to FIG. 5, each client device may include auser interface (e.g., user interface 500) with a multi-location map(e.g., multi-location map 504) configured to show the location of theorigin of an alert signal and/or position of an alert activation device.

In some implementations, alert management process 10 may be composed ofapplications across multiple platforms: Web (server side), Desktop andMobile (client side). In some implementations, everything from usermanagement to location mapping to alert and device configuration may beaccessed from any Web browser because of the one or more alert gateways.For example, desktop client applications may be installed on a computingdevice and may provide alert notification and activation functionality,along with full crisis management capability. In some implementations,this may include secure communication (e.g., audio/visual interactionand direct messaging) functions, plus building floor plan andmulti-location map displays indicating impacted areas, with real-timeinformation updating. It may also include quick access to emergencyplans and procedures for reference. In some implementations, alertmanagement system may provide customizable analytics/reports to anyauthorized personnel.

In some implementations and as discussed above, the one or more alertcommunication devices may include a plurality of alert communicationdevices and may be configured to communicatively couple the alertcommunication device with one or more other alert communication devicesof the plurality of alert communication devices via a firstcommunication path. In some implementations, the one or more alertcommunication devices may be configured to communicatively couple thealert communication device with the one or more other alertcommunication devices of the plurality of alert communication devicesvia a second communication path.

Alert Management Process:

In some implementations and as discussed above, alert management process10 may reside on and may be executed by storage system 12; and may beconfigured to process the above-described alert signals through thealert management system. For example and referring also to FIG. 7, alertmanagement process 10 may be configured to receive 700, at the one ormore alert communication devices, an alert signal from the one or morealert activation devices and/or one or more client devices, transmit 702the alert signal to the one or more other alert communication devicesvia a first communication path formed between a plurality of alertcommunication devices, and provide 704 an alert via the visual alertsystem and/or the audio alert system of the alert communication device.In some implementations and as discussed above, alert management process10 may be configured to determine 706 that the first communication pathis inaccessible and transmit 708 the alert signal to the one or morealert communication devices via the second communication path inresponse to determining that the first communication path isinaccessible. For example, the alert management system may be designedto operate independently from a customer network. The communication mesh(e.g., mesh of alert communication devices) may be distinct from thehost network but may be designed to integrate with that network. In someimplementations, the alert management system may be secured byencryption technology from any outside interference/hacking of thenetwork.

In some implementations and as discussed above, alert management process10 may be configured to establish 710 a communication channel betweentwo or more client devices via one or more of the first communicationpath and the second communication path.

In some implementations, the alert management system may provide thesame notification, alert management and communication functions as thedesktop application, including push-to-talk two-way radio capability ona secure communication channel to any client device. In someimplementations and as discussed above, alert management process 10 maybe configured to provide 712 one or more of an alert signal and a map tothe user interface of at least one client device.

In some implementations, alert management process 10 may capture andrecord all incident data—including an alert cause—to guide a “forensicreview” of an event for investigative purposes as well as supportingupdated protocols for future crises.

Referring also to FIG. 8, there is shown a diagrammatic view of clientelectronic device 34. While client electronic device 34 is shown in thisfigure, this is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to bea limitation of this disclosure, as other configurations are possible.For example, any computing device capable of executing, in whole or inpart, alert management process 10 may be substituted for clientelectronic device 34 within FIG. 8, examples of which may include butare not limited to computing device 12 and/or client electronic devices28, 30, 32.

Client electronic device 34 may include a processor and/ormicroprocessor (e.g., microprocessor 800) configured to, e.g., processdata and execute the above-noted code/instruction sets and subroutines.Microprocessor 800 may be coupled via a storage adaptor (not shown) tothe above-noted storage device(s) (e.g., storage device 26). An I/Ocontroller (e.g., I/O controller 802) may be configured to couplemicroprocessor 800 with various devices, such as keyboard 804,pointing/selecting device (e.g., mouse 806), custom device, such amicrophone (e.g., device 808), USB ports (not shown), and printer ports(not shown). A display adaptor (e.g., display adaptor 810) may beconfigured to couple display 812 (e.g., CRT or LCD monitor(s)) withmicroprocessor 800, while network controller/adaptor 814 (e.g., anEthernet adaptor) may be configured to couple microprocessor 800 to theabove-noted network 18 (e.g., the Internet or a local area network).

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the present disclosuremay be embodied as a method, a system, or a computer program product.Accordingly, the present disclosure may take the form of an entirelyhardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (includingfirmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or an embodimentcombining software and hardware aspects that may all generally bereferred to herein as a “circuit,” “module” or “system.” Furthermore,the present disclosure may take the form of a computer program producton a computer-usable storage medium having computer-usable program codeembodied in the medium.

Any suitable computer usable or computer readable medium may beutilized. The computer-usable or computer-readable medium may be, forexample but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical,electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, device,or propagation medium. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) ofthe computer-readable medium may include the following: an electricalconnection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, ahard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), anerasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), anoptical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), anoptical storage device, a transmission media such as those supportingthe Internet or an intranet, or a magnetic storage device. Thecomputer-usable or computer-readable medium may also be paper or anothersuitable medium upon which the program is printed, as the program can beelectronically captured, via, for instance, optical scanning of thepaper or other medium, then compiled, interpreted, or otherwiseprocessed in a suitable manner, if necessary, and then stored in acomputer memory. In the context of this document, a computer-usable orcomputer-readable medium may be any medium that can contain, store,communicate, propagate, or transport the program for use by or inconnection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.The computer-usable medium may include a propagated data signal with thecomputer-usable program code embodied therewith, either in baseband oras part of a carrier wave. The computer usable program code may betransmitted using any appropriate medium, including but not limited tothe Internet, wireline, optical fiber cable, RF, etc.

Computer program code for carrying out operations of the presentdisclosure may be written in an object oriented programming languagesuch as Java, Smalltalk, C++ or the like. However, the computer programcode for carrying out operations of the present disclosure may also bewritten in conventional procedural programming languages, such as the“C” programming language or similar programming languages. The programcode may execute entirely on the user's computer, partly on the user'scomputer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user'scomputer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remotecomputer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may beconnected to the user's computer through a local area network/a widearea network/the Internet (e.g., network 14).

The present disclosure is described with reference to flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems) andcomputer program products according to embodiments of the disclosure. Itwill be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/orblock diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams, may be implemented by computerprogram instructions. These computer program instructions may beprovided to a processor of a general purpose computer/special purposecomputer/other programmable data processing apparatus, such that theinstructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or otherprogrammable data processing apparatus, create means for implementingthe functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram blockor blocks.

These computer program instructions may also be stored in acomputer-readable memory that may direct a computer or otherprogrammable data processing apparatus to function in a particularmanner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readablememory produce an article of manufacture including instruction meanswhich implement the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks.

The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer orother programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series ofoperational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmableapparatus to produce a computer implemented process such that theinstructions which execute on the computer or other programmableapparatus provide steps for implementing the functions/acts specified inthe flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

The flowcharts and block diagrams in the figures may illustrate thearchitecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementationsof systems, methods and computer program products according to variousembodiments of the present disclosure. In this regard, each block in theflowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portionof code, which comprises one or more executable instructions forimplementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be notedthat, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in theblock may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, twoblocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantiallyconcurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverseorder, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be notedthat each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustrations,and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchartillustrations, may be implemented by special purpose hardware-basedsystems that perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations ofspecial purpose hardware and computer instructions.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure.As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify thepresence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements,and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of oneor more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements,components, and/or groups thereof.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of allmeans or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended toinclude any structure, material, or act for performing the function incombination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. Thedescription of the present disclosure has been presented for purposes ofillustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive orlimited to the disclosure in the form disclosed. Many modifications andvariations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the artwithout departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. Theembodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain theprinciples of the disclosure and the practical application, and toenable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the disclosurefor various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated.

A number of implementations have been described. Having thus describedthe disclosure of the present application in detail and by reference toembodiments thereof, it will be apparent that modifications andvariations are possible without departing from the scope of thedisclosure defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An alert communication device comprising: a firsttransceiver configured to communicatively couple the alert communicationdevice with one or more other alert communication devices via a firstcommunication path; a second transceiver configured to communicativelycouple the alert communication device with the one or more other alertcommunication devices via a second communication path; and a visualalert system, wherein the visual alert system includes a plurality ofelectronically-controlled multi-color lights that are programmed tocorrespond with a plurality of distinct visual alerts each correspondingto a different alert signal, and an audio alert system.
 2. The alertcommunication device of claim 1, further comprising: a third transceiverconfigured to communicatively couple the alert communication device withone or more alert activation devices via a third communication path. 3.The alert communication device of claim 2, wherein the alertcommunication device is configured to: receive an alert signal from theone or more alert activation devices; and transmit the alert signal tothe one or more other alert communication devices via the firstcommunication path.
 4. The alert communication device of claim 3,wherein the alert communication device is configured to: determine thatthe first communication path is inaccessible; and transmit the alertsignal to the one or more alert communication devices via the secondcommunication path in response to determining that the firstcommunication path is inaccessible.
 5. The alert communication device ofclaim 1, wherein the alert communication device is configured toestablish a communication channel between two or more client devices viaone or more of the first communication path and the second communicationpath.
 6. The alert communication device of claim 1, wherein the thirdtransceiver is a Bluetooth Low Energy® transceiver configured todetermine the location of the one or more alert activation devicesrelative to the alert communication device.
 7. An alert activationdevice comprising: a transceiver configured to communicatively couplethe alert activation device to at least one alert communication device;and an activation button communicatively coupled to the transceiver,wherein the activation button is configured to represent an entire sideof the alert activation device; wherein the alert activation device isconfigured to transmit an alert signal via the transceiver in responseto a user engaging the activation button.
 8. The alert activation deviceof claim 7, wherein the alert activation device is a wearable alertactivation device.
 9. The alert activation device of claim 8, whereinthe alert activation device is configured to be affixed to anidentification badge.
 10. The alert activation device of claim 7,wherein the transceiver is configured to transmit a location of thealert activation device when transmitting the alert signal.
 11. Thealert activation device of claim 10, wherein the transceiver is aBluetooth Low Energy® transceiver.
 12. A alert management systemcomprising: one or more alert communication devices communicativelycoupled to one or more other alert communication devices and configuredto provide one or more of a visual alert and an audio alert; one or morealert activation devices communicatively coupled to at least one alertcommunication device of the one or more alert communication devices; andat least one client device communicatively coupled to the alertmanagement system, wherein the at least one client device comprises auser interface, wherein the alert management system is configured toprovide an alert signal and a map to the user interface of the at leastone client device.
 13. The alert management system of claim 12, furthercomprising: one or more alert gateways; wherein the one or more alertcommunication devices are communicatively coupled to the one or morealert gateways.
 14. The alert management system of claim 12, wherein theone or more alert communication devices include a plurality of alertcommunication devices and are configured to communicatively couple thealert communication device with one or more other alert communicationdevices of the plurality of alert communication devices via a firstcommunication path.
 15. The alert management system of claim 14, whereinthe one or more alert communication devices are configured tocommunicatively couple the alert communication device with the one ormore other alert communication devices of the plurality of alertcommunication devices via a second communication path.
 16. The alertmanagement system of claim 15, wherein the alert management system isconfigured to: receive, at the one or more alert communication devices,an alert signal from the one or more alert activation devices; andtransmit the alert signal to the one or more other alert communicationdevices via a first communication path formed between a plurality ofalert communication devices.
 17. The alert management system of claim16, wherein the alert management system is configured to: determine thatthe first communication path is inaccessible; and transmit the alertsignal to the one or more alert communication devices via the secondcommunication path in response to determining that the firstcommunication path is inaccessible.
 18. The alert management system ofclaim 15, wherein the alert management system is configured to establisha communication channel between two or more client devices via one ormore of the first communication path and the second communication path.19. The alert management system of claim 12, wherein the map isconfigured to display a location of an origin of an alert signal and aposition of at least one of the one or more alert activation devices.